AP File PhotoDetroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew has a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish this offseason.

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew has a clear vision on what he wants to accomplish this offseason. It all starts with the retention of several of the team's own free agents.

"For us, this year, we don't anticipate being in the top part of free agency market, but we do plan on being active and trying to find value there," Mayhew said in an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio. "We want to get our own guys back. Our left tackle is a free agent, our starting cornerback is a free agent, our mike linebacker -- the quarterback of our defense -- is a free agent, and obviously Cliff Avril can be free also. Our goal is to get those guys back then look around and see if we can get some value out there in the market."

Reports would suggest that Avril is the Lions' top priority. The defensive end is coming off the best season of his career, where he registered 11 sacks playing next to Ndamukong Suh. The Lions have the option to slap the franchise tag on Avril, an idea that doesn't thrill him, but Mayhew said the team is still trying to work out a long-term deal.

Another contract extension Mayhew would like to work out sooner than later is with wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who will be in the final year of his current deal next season.

"Cliff, we want to get a long-term deal done with him," Mayhew said. "We've still got a chance to get that done and we're working on that right now. Calvin has still got a year left on his deal. It would be great to get something done with him as well. Both those guys we plan on having around."

Beyond free agency, Mayhew is in Indianapolis for the league's scouting combine. The Lions' GM knows exactly what characteristics he's looking for in young players.

"I grew up in the Joe Gibbs camp, and being around him, he always talked about wanting smart and tough guys, so we look for smart and tough guys," Mayhew said. "We want young players that want to come in and work, guys that play smart, and guys that are tough guys."

One of the players Mayhew drafted to fit the fold was Suh. He fits all of the above criteria, but has had his struggles with on-field discipline, a trait that has earned him the label of the dirtiest player in the league. Mayhew compared the perception of Suh to that of a former teammate.

"I played college ball with a guy named Deion Sanders, who people are familiar with, and his public image was not who he was as a teammate," Mayhew explained. "Ndamukong is also a great teammate. He's got some growing up to do. He's maturing. We saw some of that this year. He came through a bad situation in a very positive way, so we're excited what the future holds for him. I wouldn't trade him for any young defensive lineman."